Goodbye Koleos, hello Scenic? 2024 Renault Scenic E-Tech could be the new electric car rival to the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson

Renault's newly minted Scenic E-Tech electric car could arrive in Australia as a fresh competitor in the hot-selling mid-size SUV segment as the Koleos enters its twilight years.

Speaking to CarsGuide, Renault importer Ateco Group spokesperson Oliver Peagam said the Scenic E-Tech is a chance for the local market.

"We are excited by the Renault Scenic E-Tech and could see it working in Australia if it's made available to our market in right-hand drive," he said.

Read More About Renault Scenic

2024 Renault Megane E-Tech electric car Australian pricing confirmed, order books open for the French Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV rival What will replace this Toyota RAV4 family SUV rival? 2023 Renault Koleos "could go forever and a day" but there's a sleek Espace-shaped replacement waiting in the wings Renault Koleos family SUV future in doubt! Rival to the Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV4 to finish up in 2024

"As always, each potential model then needs to go through an internal business case to justify Renault's investment to comply with Australia's unique design rule requirements."

However, given the mechanically related Megane E-Tech has already been given the green light Down Under (launching soon at $64,990 before on-road costs), the larger Scenic seems like a shoe-in, especially as the Koleos is expected to exit the local market in 2024.

Renault Australia General Manger Glen Sealey also told CarsGuide in September last year that something is expected to slot into the mid-size SUV space for the brand.

The top-spec Renault Scenic E-Tech has a large 87kWh battery, good for up to 620km of driving range.

"Koleos will run its life – it will run through, at this stage, until probably 2024, and that will be it," he said.

"That's not to say there won't be a replacement, it's just to say that today, I don't see it.

"What's going to replace the new generation of Renaults, and Koleos is one, will be electrified cars, connected cars. It's totally different technology, and totally different types of vehicles."

Despite being labelled a small MPV – or people mover, as known in Australia – the Scenic E-tech measures just 4470mm long, 1864mm wide and 1571mm tall.

Enter the Scenic E-Tech… but, again, an Australian confirmation is still forthcoming.

Despite being labelled a small MPV – or people mover, as known in Australia – the Scenic E-tech measures just 4470mm long, 1864mm wide and 1571mm tall, and is easily dwarfed by the Kia Carnival and even seven-seat mid-size SUVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail.

In fact, even the Mazda CX-5 is larger in all dimensions barring width.

In fact, even the Mazda CX-5 is larger in all dimensions barring width.

Still, as an EV built on the same CMF-EV platform as the Nissan Ariya, the battery packs are found under the floor to maximise interior space with a flat floor and seating for five.

However, these battery packs are also designed to be easily repaired, according to the French brand, while sustainability is a key highlight thanks to the lack of rare earths and an interior featuring heavily recycled materials.

In the boot there is space for 545 litres of volume, while the cockpit features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.0-inch portrait-style multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality.

Renault Australia General Manger Glen Sealey also told CarsGuide in September last year that something is expected to slot into the mid-size SUV space for the brand.

Two powertrain versions of the Scenic E-Tech will be made available in front-drive form only, a 125kW/280Nm Standard range variant with a 60kWh battery and a 160kW/300Nm High range model with an 87kWh battery.

The former is good for 420km of driving range, while the latter extends to 620km before needing a recharge.

And when the battery is empty, 130kW and 150kW (for the Standard range and High range respectively) DC fast-charging capabilities will be able to add more range, though Renault is yet to reveal how long the Scenic E-Tech needs for a recharge.

The larger Scenic seems like a shoe-in, especially as the Koleos is expected to exit the local market in 2024.